Closing Date: 11th April, 2026
Description:
Position Description:Appellate AFPDs primarily represent indigent federal defendants in direct criminal appeals and postconviction litigation in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, and the Supreme Court of the United States. Core job duties include researching and analyzing legal issues, drafting briefs, and presenting oral argument. Appellate AFPDs consult with trial AFPDs to raise and preserve legal issues for appeal and assist trial AFPDs with drafting motions and sentencing memoranda. They are also expected to develop and maintain expertise in multiple areas of law, provide training as needed by the office, and serve as a resource to CJA counsel (panel attorneys).
Qualifications:
Applicants must (1) be a graduate of an accredited law school and admitted to practice and in good standing before the highest court of a state; and (2) be eligible to be licensed to practice in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.
Selection Criteria:
Applicants must possess excellent written and oral communication skills. Applicants must have an established capacity or clearly demonstrated aptitude for excellence in criminal defense practice, a commitment to the representation of indigent accused persons, and a reputation for integrity. Applicants should be team-oriented and collaborative. Three or more years of state or federal criminal defense experience (including clerkships) is preferred but not required.
Employee Benefits:
The salary of an AFPD is commensurate with qualifications and experience. The position offers federal government employment benefits, including participation in health and life insurance programs, retirement, and the Thrift Savings Plan. Salary is payable only by Electronic Funds Transfer (direct deposit). The position is “at will” excepted service and does not carry the tenure rights of competitive civil service.
Miscellaneous:
Appellate AFPDs primarily represent indigent federal defendants in direct criminal appeals and postconviction litigation in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, and the Supreme Court of the United States. Core job duties include researching and analyzing legal issues, drafting briefs, and presenting oral argument. Appellate AFPDs consult with trial AFPDs to raise and preserve legal issues for appeal and assist trial AFPDs with drafting motions and sentencing memoranda. They are also expected to develop and maintain expertise in multiple areas of law, provide training as needed by the office, and serve as a resource to CJA counsel (panel attorneys).
No phone calls, please. Only submissions following the required format will be considered. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
The Federal Public Defender follows an Employee Dispute Resolution Plan approved by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.
The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
